baby book

One of my favorite things that I have done for my boys is their baby books. I know it's a running joke among most parents that they kept up with it for their first child and each subsequent kid got less and less when it came to the baby book. I'm a little proud that I have managed to keep up with Gideon and Nolan's, at least for the first year of their lives. And now I get to start on Lincoln's.

I'm so sentimental when it comes to physical things. I remember grabbing everything out of the hospital room before we took Gideon home because it all felt so special. Every bracelet we wore, his hat, blanket, bassinet name tag. I took it all. And I glued those suckers in his baby book. I love having it to look back on now.

I had this baby book on our registry for Lincoln and a sweet friend gifted it to us.  The fabric cover and beautifully done pages are incredible.  I love filling it out with stories of pregnancy and birth and I know I will be so grateful to have it in the future.

One of my favorite things in each of their baby books is their birth announcement. Gone are the days of announcing a baby in the newspaper, which is really sad for this Journalism major. But, we have such a fun alternative in printed birth announcements to mail out to family and friends. Tiny Prints has beautiful ones specific for gender or neutral. If you haven't figured out that I love paper goods then you haven't been reading my blog for very long. I love how sturdy these are and am glad I will have them forever tucked away in these books.

I've heard people say that they don't think their kids will care about the baby book when they are older, but I have always viewed the baby book as something for myself.  Yes, I think they will enjoy looking at them down the road, but in all honesty I think I will be the one who keeps them and pulls them out to ugly cry amidst the prom dates and college packing.  Do your future self a favor and write just a few things down that you don't want to forget about these stages.  Print a birth announcement to look back at and save the little treasures that you never want to lose.  It is so worth it.

Here are some things that make it easier:
+ I do monthly photos and keep them organized on Instagram with a hashtag.  Then around their first birthday I use a site like this to print them out and put into their book.  It makes it easier to do all at once.
+ Washi tape is your friend.  It makes it quick and easy {and un-messy} to put things into the book and brings another fun aspect to the pages.
+ Write little things down throughout the month or keep a running note in your phone of "firsts" like smiles, clapping, steps and the dates they happened so that you can go back later to fill in the baby book.  You probably have your phone more accessible.


*birth announcements were provided by TinyPrints

Family photos

My absolute favorite thing to do every year around the holidays is have family photos taken.  It isn't the easiest thing in the world to coordinate, especially with kids, but it is so worth it.  I love being able to look back each year to see how our family has grown from two young newlyweds to a family of three. A family of three with one on the way to a family of four and then a family of four with one on the way.

It can be overwhelming to figure out where to start with family photos.  There are so many options out there.  Studio, outdoor, candid, posed.  So here are a few things I have found that make it easier and more manageable to make family photos an annual thing without adding any stress to an already busy time of year.

1. Browse and decide what you want.  Like I already mentioned, there are so many different styles of photos.  Start by browsing Pinterest to see which seems to suit you and your family best. Outdoor, candid photos seem to be the most popular these days and my personal favorites.  They feel so much more relaxed and real and allow for some fun to shine through.

2. Search for photographers in your area.  Once you have nailed down which style of photos you want, it's time to find a photographer who can accommodate you.  Many photographers offer mini sessions this time of year.  Sometimes they have a set day and time scheduled for these along with a specific location.  Others may be more flexible with your schedule and location preference.  Once you pick a photographer, communicate openly with them about what you are looking for ahead of time. Be sure this is a person you feel comfortable around.

We have been lucky to have an amazing friend, who happens to be an amazing photographer, take our photos each year.  He has found incredible outdoor locations each time and let's us know what time of day will have the best light for our photos.  It's so nice to have complete confidence in his ability.

3. Find clothes for everyone to wear.  This feels like the most overwhelming part some years. I like  to find coordinating outfits for our family, but not too matchy matchy, a la 90's everyone in jeans and black shirts.

Mamas, I say start with you.  It's rare that we get to feel put together and pretty and photos is one time you definitely want to be confident in how you look.  Take this one chance to not be covered in spit up; Shine.  Pick something you love and are excited to wear.  Look at the colors you chose and find something in your kiddos closets (or at the store) that will go along.  I always save my husband for last A. because he could care less and B. because his closet is full of neutrals and I make sure he rounds out the coordination without being overwhelming.

Since it is the holidays and a little chillier than other times I love to add layers for some depth. Vests, cardigans, scarves, etc.  Little touches to make it feel more complete and fun.

4. Get ready, bribe, and let it go. I say regardless of what time of day it is, make sure everyone has eaten before you attempt photos.  This helps to ensure less of the grumpys, especially in your kiddos.

Post-food time is get ready time.  I get my makeup and hair done and then get my two boys ready WITHOUT my photo outfit on to make sure they don't slime me.  Once everyone is ready, I get dressed and off we go.

I sometimes bring candy as a bribe, but because I don't want them to eat it during photos, we usually stick to a promise of something right after photos for a few good smiles.  In all honesty, it may not always work.  This year, our 20-month old was not having it.  Running in all directions, having meltdowns and being almost-two in general.  But, we managed to get some great shots so we just let it go, trusted our photographer, and laughed about how this is real life.

5. Order Christmas cards and print for presents.  Getting your photos back is the fun part.  They have exceeded my expectations every year.  And it's fun to see how they turned out.

I start with Christmas cards.  The prettiest and easiest way to reach all your family and friends.  Tiny Prints has gorgeous foil-stamped options and fun extras, like envelope liners to add some personality to the mix.  Living in a military community means we have friends constantly moving so I love having the ability to share our growing family with them each year as we are spread far and wide.

I also print several photos in 5x7 to give to grandparents and great-grandparents as presents. They love to have updated ones to fill their walls with each year.   Find some fun frames to polish them off.

* Family photography credit to Greyside Photography
* Christmas cards were provided by Tiny Prints.

On the first day of Christmas...

Well, it's that time again.  The holiday season is chugging on in like a freight train.  Do you ever feel like you are behind on gifts in July?  That's totally me every year.

If you have read here for any length of time, you know I love making lists.  That feeling of accomplishment you get when you see everything written out and then get to check things off, oh it's addicting.  So, I've put together a little list {yes! and I have checked it twice} of twelve personalized or homemade gifts you can give your loves.

1. Manicure in a jar: I've always thought this was a cute idea.  The perfect teacher or friend gift.  You can find mason jars just about everywhere these days.  Add a cute polish, clippers, file and some cotton balls and you are all set.  {A little tip for you; check TJ Maxx or Marshalls for nail polish on the cheap.  They carry Essie and OPI at half the cost!}

2. Christmas cards: I'm addicted to paper goods.  Christmas cards are my favorite thing to do every year.  Living in a military town means we have friends move away all the time.  This is the perfect way to keep in touch with those friends and family who you don't get to see all the time. Tiny Prints has an awesome selection and I fell madly in love with their foil-stamped cards. They are even more gorgeous in person!

3. Christmas cookies:  I love to involve my boys in Christmas activities each year.  Gideon loves helping me "make" and always drags a chair to the counter when I am baking.  Christmas cookies are a must and the perfect thing to bring to a holiday potluck or to gift to your neighbors.

4. Hot cocoa mix: This time of year calls for hot drinks all around.  Bust out some more mason jars, add some hot cocoa powder {strapped on time?  Just buy the packets and pour them in.  Ain't nobody got time for homemade!} and some marshmallows {heavy on these!}.  Tie on some cute tags and hand out to co-workers or your mailman, hairdresser, and everybody you pass in the street because who couldn't use a little holiday cheer?

5. Holiday playlist: A mix tape, if you will.  I remember making my friends mixed CDs our senior year of college and I'm pretty sure I even gave my husband (then boyfriend) one that same year.  Pick your favorite holiday songs; maybe a little Mariah {All I Want for Christmas} or Nick and Jessica pre-divorce {Baby, it's Cold Outside, anyone?} or any of the classics.  Share your playlist with friends starting at the beginning of the month to carry the fun all season long.

6. S'mores: I'm a sucker for s'mores.  Spring?  I want a s'more. Summer?  S'more me, please.  Fall?  Bonfire and a s'more, duh.  So, why not as a holiday gift? Stack a few graham crackers, Hershey's chocolate bars, and some giant marshmallows together in some clear cellophane or find some cute packaging {maybe these?}, then dress it up with some festive ribbon.

7. Kid-made thumb print art:  My sister used her kiddos thumbprints to make the manger seen one year and framed it for our parents.  I'm pretty positive they cried their eyes out and loved it more than the new robe I bought them.  This is a great gift for grandparents and will clearly melt their hearts.

8. Sharpie mug:  I'm addicted to mugs and I don't even drink coffee.  I have to restrain myself from buying them when I see cute ones {I'm looking at you, Anthropologie}.  I made a Sharpie mug for my husband for Valentine's Day this year which was a lot of fun.  Find a plain mug {dollar store for the win} and draw with a Sharpie paint pen whatever your heart desires.  Place them in a cold oven and preheat to 425 degrees.  Bake for 30 minutes.  Voila!

9. Movie in a box:  This is one of my favorite gifts to put together.  It is awesome to do at the beginning of the season with a Christmas movie.  Grab a fun movie.  Place in a cute basket with bags of popcorn, candy and drinks.  Great gifts for friends with kids so they can have a family movie night. {But, probably a more appropriate kids movie than Family Stone; insert monkey covering eyes emoji}

10. Coffee:  Ok, I don't drink coffee.  I know, I know.  But plenty of people in my life are addicted to it, so they will welcome this with open arms.  Do a Sharpie mug or buy a cute one {like these} and place a Starbucks or other coffee shop giftcard inside.  The gift of caffeine can't go wrong.

11. Burlap wreath: I've always loved this burlap wreath trend that is going on.  I was just too intimidated to try it.  It looked complicated.  But, it is NOT!  Simple to make and super easy to use throughout the year by just changing the flowers, etc.  Here is the video I used as a guide.  I dressed mine up with cotton stalks for fall and berry branches for Christmas.  These are great gifts for grandmas and aunts!

12. Personalized notebook: My sister is a teacher, so lined notebooks are something she can get great use out of. Tiny Prints has personalized notebooks that are the sweetest gift to give with a special little touch.  Order some for your kids teachers and help break up the never-ending candles and sweet treats they get {not that anyone is complaining about those!}.

* Christmas cards and personalized notebook were provided by TinyPrints

Holiday preparation, with kids.

The holidays are sneaking up on us and will be knocking at our door with egg nog and fruitcake before we know it.  I always have big ideas about things I would love to accomplish and do between Thanksgiving and Christmas to live up the holiday cheer and I've learned if I am not intentional about setting dates for these things or expressing my plans to my sweet and complying husband, they will not get done.

As Gideon gets older, and as we prepare to grow our family again, I can't help but dream about the holiday traditions I want to follow us through the years.  Obviously, these will morph and change as we get older, but I want the basis to be the same.  What better time to start than now?  So here is a quick list of things to do to prepare for, and be intentional in, the holiday season this year:

1. Santa.  He is EVERYWHERE this time of year.  Believe it or not, you will one day want to look back at that photo of your screaming toddler sitting in his lap, if for nothing else than a good laugh.  Head to the nearest mall, wait in the line, and pay the fare. I promise the grandparents will appreciate the photo and will promptly display it on their fridge.

2. Christmas cards.  This time of year is the perfect opportunity to get your family dressed to impress, semi-smiling and lined up for an awesome family photo.  Then pick your poison in the form of Christmas cards. We used Tiny Prints this year. Their selection is awesome and easy to personalize.  Christmas cards are my favorite thing to do.  I save one each year, and to see our family progression from newlyweds to expecting parents to a family of three and now a family of three expecting again is priceless.  It is the best way to keep your long distance family and friends updated.

3. Surprise family activities. I love the idea of having a jar filled with Christmas activities and as a family you complete one each night leading up to Christmas Eve.  I also know that December is often packed to the max with company parties, wrapping gifts, and running around town to find that one present that is sold out everywhere else.  But, the good thing is you can tailor this to your family.  At two years old, Gideon would not be super accommodating to a nightly activity, but doing maybe two a week would work for us.  Here are some ideas:

+ Bundle up in pajamas, grab some hot chocolate (and marshmallows!) and drive around your town to admire the Christmas lights. 

+ Gingerbread house.  I'm not a super creative person, so I would totally need to buy one of those kits to make these.  Make it a contest and try to get most of the candy on the house and not in their little mouths.

+ Christmas movie night.  Make a pallet of blankets and pillows in your living room, pop some popcorn and pick a family fun Christmas movie to watch.  For smaller kids, you could always go with the Curious George Christmas special that's on Netflix.  It won't be too hard to hold their attention for that length of time.

+ Bust out those tree and star cookie cutters and get to work baking.  Let your kiddos go at it with icing and sprinkles to decorate.  You could wrap them up and hand them out to neighbors or selfishly sit on your couch with a large glass of milk and devour them all (no judgement here!).

4. Volunteer.  Find some way to give back or give away.  There are plenty of opportunities to serve food to those who need it, buy gifts for families who can't, and to show your kids that it's beneficial to  think past yourself.  

5. Special ornament.  Who doesn't love Christmas ornaments?  No one, I say.  Every year, when Target starts setting up their display, I have to take my time wandering through and touching every single ornament before deciding which ones must join our tree.  

When we first got married our tree was bare, but over the years it has started to overflow with ornaments.  Each year, we pick out a special ornament and give it to each other a few days before Christmas.  The ornament has special meaning or reminded us of the person.  A guitar for my husband because he loves to play, an "expecting parents" ornament for me while waiting for the birth of our first babe.  This would be great to do each year for your child/children and in turn you would be building their ornament collection from the start.

Celebrating Christmas and the holidays with kids is one of the most fulfilling things.  It is all new and exciting in their eyes.  So, put on your apron and your crafty pants, and start planning now to intentionally enjoy the time.

Keeping in touch

The hardest part about deciding to move to Beaufort was leaving family.  We were so excited about the change, the location, the job, but we also knew that we would be almost four hours from my family and six from Taylor's.  It was the only downfall.

We loved the idea of Gideon growing up surrounded by family.  Always seeing his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins (although his cousins currently live overseas, hopefully someday he will have stateside cousins, too). I grew up near my dad's family, but not my mom's.  The upside to being far away is the excitement you feel when you F I N A L L Y get to visit and see them.  That time is precious.  The place is special.  But, it is hard when you can't be there for all the big and little milestones, especially as your child is growing and changing on a daily basis.

I try my best to send little things to my parents and Taylor's mom to keep them up to date with Gideon. Obviously, this blog is a great way to do that, but it is not the same as holding something in their hands.  So, I print photos when I have a great shot of him, or let him scribble on paper with crayons, make Valentines, or use his paint-dipped foot print to make a Christmas tree and stick it in the mail to ensure that they have a little piece of this special boy.

This time we used Tiny Prints to put together a special little package for Gideon's grandparents.  Tiny Prints has tons of awesome ways to share your kid's cute mug with family and friends (even putting their face on an actual mug).  We went with the easel art because I knew it was something practical that they could use or display.  I can totally see my dad taking this to work to put on his desk.

I wanted Gideon to have a part in putting this package together and since I missed the boat when he was a baby on the salt dough handprints, I decided better late than never.  Am I right?  I'm right.  So here is the recipe:

1 cup salt

1 cup flour

1/2 cup water

mix. roll. print. bake at 225 degrees for 2 hours. 

Of course, I couldn't just stop there.  I decided to break out the paints again.  Despite this catastrophe.  What can I say? I'm persistent.  Drum roll, please.  He had a great time.  I was going to be all OCD mom and designate what colors to use or tell him where to paint (or do it myself), but decided to let him have at it and make it his own project.  So that's why they look so, um, fancy. What grandparent doesn't want this Picasso to display in their house?  None I know. That's who.

Then you know what you do?  You stick that sucker in the mail with your easel art, wait a few days and watch the tears flow when opened.  Those grandparents.  Gems, they are.

*Easel art c/o TinyPrints 

* Salt dough and non-toxic paint were consumed in the making of this project.  No toddlers were harmed and no mama heart-attacks were had.  That is all.